Early outcome of total hip arthroplasty for failed internal fixation of femoral neck fractures

Abstract

Objective To detect the initial results of total hip arthroplasty (THA) after failure of internal fixation of femoral neck fractures and investigate the key points in surgical procedures and prosthesis selection.Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on 36 cases who had THA for femoral neck fractures due to the initially failed internal fixation between January 2007 and December 2012.There were 21 males and 15 females,with age ranging from 46 to 72 years (mean,58.6 years).After internal fixation,13 cases were complicated by femoral head necrosis,eight fracture nonunion,and 15 fracture nonunion combined with femoral head necrosis.All the 36 cases had cementless THA,including proximally fixed stem in 25 cases and distally fixed stem in 11 cases.Harris hip score was assessed before operation and at follow-up.Results All the cases received a follow-up of 26-52 months (mean,32.5 months).Mean Harris hip score improved from 26.3 to 83.6,including excellent results in 12 cases,good in 22,and fair in two,with excellence-good rate of 94％.Conclusion With respect to the failed internal fixation of femoral neck fractures,THA is an effective remedial method to improve hip function and quality of life of the patients. Key words: Femoral neck fractures;  Arthroplasty, replacement, hip;  Internal fixators; Treatment failure